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Live from NPR news in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.

Investigators are learning more about the passenger jet that crashed in Kazakhstan this week,

killing at least 38 people. NPR's Brian Mann reports

Russian weapons may have hit the plane. The Azerbaijani jetliner crashed in Kazakhstan while

en route to a city in Russia Wednesday with 67 passengers and crew on board. 29 people survived.

During a briefing with reporters, U.S. National Security

Communications Advisor John Kirby said it's possible Russian weapons hit the civilian plane.

We do have, have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility

that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense systems.

Kirby emphasized the probe into the fiery crash is still underway.

Azerbaijan Airlines officials said in a statement it appears external interference impacted the plane.

The airline has suspended flights to airports inside Russia.

Brian Mann, NPR News, Kiev.

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